R-e-s-p-e-c-t

I recently had the pleasure of attending a young people's conference hosted by members of my home group. It was the typical young people's conference experience: energy and emotions ranged between extremes, from excitement and hilarity to a profound and reverent understanding of the seriousness of this disease. And I got lots and lots of hugs. Hugging has become the staple of conferences, and, indeed, of AA in general. Though some groups and some areas avoid this custom, I usually can count on a few embraces at any meeting. This is, as far as I know, an AA phenomenon. Newcomers and visitors are usually a little shocked and uncomfortable at first, but touch can have the power to make a lonely alcoholic feel very welcome and loved, maybe for the first time in a long time.